Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 October 2019
174. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the remit of the National Convention Centre in terms of decisions as to which events it hosts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43465/19]
Amharc ar fhreagra175. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a group (details supplied) is being refused permission to perform at the National Convention Centre, Dublin; if his attention has been further drawn to the reason they are being refused; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43466/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 174 and 175 together.
The Conference Centre Dublin (CCD) is a PPP project developed on a Design, Build, Finance, Operate and Maintain (DBFOM) model. Construction was completed in 2010 when it opened for business. In return for a monthly unitary charge, an independent company operates the CCD under the provisions of a Project Agreement that will remain in effect until its expiry in 2035. The OPW does not have a role in commercial matters relating to bookings, or in the day to day operation of the CCD. All decisions on events hosted are made by the operators of the CCD, and the OPW as the contracting authority have no influence over bookings as long as the CCD is being operated in compliance with the Project Agreement.
This issue has been raised on numerous occasions in the recent past with public representatives and officials in the OPW. It was the subject of an oral PQ 39474/19 Dáil Question 71, answered by Mr Kevin Moran T.D., Minister of State for the Office of Public Works and Flood Relief, on 1st October. Minister of State Moran has undertaken to request further details on this matter from the chairman of the CCD and will be updating relevant parties on receipt.
